Interviewer(s): T. McGuire. Galliano, LA

Affiliation: University of Arizona

Born in Cut Off in 1951, Windell Curole is presently director of the South Lafourche Levee District, where he started in 1980. He was trained as a marine biologist. His father was a shrimper and roughneck. Windell's responsibilities (he is also the Emergency Management person for the parish) include making the calls on when to close the flood gate below Golden Meadow in the face of approaching storms - a decision which can get him in trouble with shrimpers and utility boat operators who may get stuck on the outside.

Windell is something of a local historian and culture broker, taking every opportunity to speak out on "Cajunism." He will also make calls to the local radio talk show, hosted by "Truk," when no one else is calling in. He is also an avid skier, as are many people in the parish. As one of the few local functionaries, Windell was one of our early contacts in south Lafourche, and we try to touch base with him on field visits.